NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 4:56 AM ET
Saturday's NHL Slate
Fourteen games headline Saturday's NHL schedule, with the Boston Bruins-Washington Capitals matchup drawing top billing as both teams jockey for playoff positioning. The Bruins, riding a five-game winning streak, face a Capitals squad that's won six of their last seven, setting up what analysts are calling a potential first-round playoff preview. Other notable contests include the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Minnesota Wild in a battle of Central Division contenders, while the New York Rangers look to extend their home-ice dominance against the struggling Detroit Red Wings.
Playoff Picture
With just over a month remaining in the regular season, the playoff race is intensifying across both conferences. The Florida Panthers have clinched the Atlantic Division but are still battling for the top seed, while the Western Conference remains wide open with five teams separated by just four points in the wild card race. The Seattle Kraken continue to surprise as they hold down the second wild card spot in the West, while the Montreal Canadiens' playoff hopes are fading after losing five straight games. The NHL's draft lottery standings show the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks in prime position to land the top pick, though both teams insist they're playing to win rather than tank.